Ellen Gutoskey

Joined: Jun 24, 2019

Ellen Gutoskey is a Mental Floss staff writer who especially loves covering pop culture, not-so-popular culture, literature, really tiny things, really giant things, and anything that was previously thought to be lost. She used to work in publishing, she's usually laughing, and you can follow her on Twitter @ellengutoskey.

Recreate Buddy the Elf’s Iconic Breakfast Spaghetti With This Meal Kit

Part of a tablet—regarding wheat, animal hides, and other supplies—on display in the British Museum.

8 Illuminating Facts About the Vindolanda Tablets

There's no shame in dragging it to the car on a tarp.

These U.S. National Forests Let You Chop Down a Christmas Tree for $10 or Less

Doesn't the traffic light itself already cover this?

What’s the Point of a “Wait for Green” Traffic Sign?

What ‘Sic’ Means—And How To Use It Correctly

The literal meaning of ‘sic’ is ‘so’ or ‘thus.’ But the way writers use it is a little more nuanced.

Since when is Netflix a social media app?

The World’s 25 Most Popular Apps by Download

This list of the world’s most downloaded apps includes everything from TikTok to Candy Crush.

What Is the Longest Song Ever Recorded?

The Guinness World Record holder for longest song ever is based on a 16th-century Indian poem.

Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher in 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.'

The 25 Best Movie Sequels of All Time, According to Internet Voters

It's hard to nail the second movie in a series—here are 25 successes.

Why Is My Turkey Wearing Frilly Paper Hats On Its Legs?

Those frilly paper caps on your turkey's legs have been called “turkey frills,” “turkey booties,” and even “turkey panties.” Here’s where they came from.

James Gandolfini and Edie Falco star in 'The Sopranos.'

12 Great Thanksgiving TV Episodes You Can Stream Right Now

From ‘The Sopranos’ to ‘It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ these TV shows capture all the things you love (or hate) about Thanksgiving.

25 of the Most Confusing Acronyms and Initialisms

You’re not the only person who has Googled “NPC meaning” of late.

Iman Vellani, Brie Larson, and Teyonah Parris star in 'The Marvels' (2023).

Conquering the MCU: How to Watch the Marvel Movies and TV Shows in Order

Should you watch the Marvel movies in order of release or chronological order? And what about those Marvel TV shows? Here’s everything you need to know.

You Bull’s Pizzle! Breaking Down 10 Iconic Shakespeare Insults

Here’s how to pepper your next argument with Shakespearean insults.

Just because they're weird doesn't mean they can't still be kind of cute.

16 Ugly Christmas Sweaters That’ll Steal the Show at Any Holiday Party

There’s a good chance you’ll end up wanting to wear these flashy, funny ugly Christmas sweaters all year round.

Why Do We Only Say “Merry” for Christmas?

Americans favor 'Merry Christmas,' while Brits opt for 'Happy Christmas.' Here's how we got here.

Britney Spears performing at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.

12 Surprising Facts About Britney Spears

Britney Spears’s songs, music videos, and live performances defined an era and inspired an entire generation of future pop stars.